A FORMER Catalan education minister is preparing to address the Radical Independence Conference (RIC) in Scotland.

Today’s speech, in Glasgow, will be Clara Ponsati’s first public appearance since the sentencing of seven of her former colleagues by the Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid.

The jail terms of the pro-independence figures ranged from nine to 13 years and sparked days of protest in Catalonia.

Ponsati, a former economics professor at the University of St Andrews, is an exile from Catalonia after being forced to flee when the Spanish state began its crackdown on Catalan leaders following the 2017 independence referendum.

A solidarity action will take place at the RIC conference in support of the nine jailed Catalans, and those who have suffered from police brutality in protests over the past week and in defence of Catalonia’s right to national self determination.

Ponsati’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar – who will also address the conference – has said that he is preparing for a renewed extradition attempt from the Spanish government following the sentencing of the Catalan leaders.

Spanish authorities have already issued a new arrest warrant for ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont. An arrest warrant for Ponsati was dropped in July 2018.

The conference will also see speeches from world-renowned writer and activist Tariq Ali, SNP MP for Glasgow South West Chris Stephens and Holly Rigby from Labour group Momentum and the Abolish Eton Campaign. Stuart Braithwaite of Scottish band Mogwai will also give a talk, as will Gerry Carroll, MLA representing West Belfast for the People Before Profit party.

Sessions at the conference include a debate on strategy for the independence movement, a plan for a Scottish Green New Deal, whether an independent Scotland should be in Nato or not and an alternative vision of independence to the SNP’s Sustainable Growth Commission.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Jonathon Shafi, from the Radical Independence Campaign, said: “As the political crisis in the UK continues, it is vital that we discuss and debate the way forward.

“We will hear from a range of international speakers, including activists from England.

“And we will be displaying solidarity with Catalonia at a special solidarity action with Clara Ponsati.

“Over 500 people have registered to attend, making it a key staging post in the campaign for independence ... that will put people before profit."